United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an end to the dramatic crisis in Gaza.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The Secretary-General told the UN Security Council that the civilian population, the fabric of Gaza, the future of the peace process, stability in the region, and goodwill among people throughout the world are all trapped between the irresponsibility displayed in the indiscriminate rocket attacks by Hamas militants and the disproportionate action of the continuing Israeli military operation.

He says all will be further threatened if the conflict continues or escalates to a new phase of deadly violence.

"I am profoundly troubled that the call of this Council, issued nearly four days ago, for an end to the violence has gone unheeded. I wish to underline in the strongest possible terms the world's call for an immediate ceasefire that is fully respected by all parties. This must be achieved now. The parties must step back from the brink. All this violence must end."

Secretary-General Ban says as a result of the crisis and violence, conditions for 1.5 million people in Gaza today are nothing short of terrifying.

He says the people of Gaza are living under heavy bombardment, which has targeted Hamas facilities, smuggling tunnels and other Hamas infrastructure, as well as the former Palestinian Authority security structure, government buildings, residential homes, mosques and businesses.

The Secretary-General says over 300 people lie dead, among them at least 60 women and children and over 800 are wounded.

At the same time, he says in southern Israel, there has been a continuous stream of rockets fired from Gaza by Palestinian militants. Four Israelis have died since Saturday and over thirty more have been injured.

"Let me be clear: I condemn unequivocally and in the strongest possible terms the ongoing rocket and mortar attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants. But I also condemn the excessive use of force by Israel. All parties must fully uphold international humanitarian law. It is the civilian populations that are bearing the brunt of this escalation, and there must be swift and decisive action by the international community to bring to an end their suffering."

Secretary-General Ban called on all parties to address the serious humanitarian and economic needs in Gaza and to take necessary measures to ensure the continuous provision of humanitarian supplies. He says without the violence stopping, it is extremely difficult to get food to people who need it.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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